Roasted Delicata Squash and Pears (with or without bacon)

This recipe comes from EatingWell.com. Delicata is perfect roasted plain, but this dish is great for a change of pace.

Ingredients:

1 large delicata (or approx 1 pound)

2 firm, but ripe, pears, sliced

2 tsp olive oil

1/4 tsp salt

1/4 tsp pepper

2 slices bacon (optional)

1 T maple syrup or brown sugar

1 tsp chili powder

2 T water

Directions:

Halve delicate and scoop out seeds. Cut into 1/4 inch slices (skin stays on!). Toss with pears, olive oil, salt and pepper in a bowl and roast in 425 degree oven for 20-25 minutes, or until soft.

Meanwhile, cook bacon. Drain on paper towels. Leave 2 tsp bacon fat in pan and add remaining ingredients, except cooked bacon. (Just add the other ingredients to the pan if not using bacon). Once warm and slightly thickened, stir into squash and pears and crumble bacon on top.